Knock knock. Who's there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you ready for some bold color?
Although I will never abandon my love of yellow (click here to see my "Not so mellow yellow" article), I do have a newfound obsession with orange. It's an interesting color, with great depth and such a broad range. And I'm not talking about the pale, subtle, pastel-toned oranges - I'm currently captivated with the more saturated tones, ranging from true oranges to spicy pumpkins to my favorite, an almost-red persimmon.
Orange is having a moment, which means that there are plentiful choices in the stores. And the best thing is that they will transition superbly from summer (paired with whites and pale neutrals) into fall (worn with navy, brown, or shades of grey). Think of it as your less-intense-than-yellow but still poppy friend.
Check out below for suggestions on how to work orange into your wardrobe, and click here to see my "Orange you ready?" Pinterest board with an abundance of orange styles.
BE BOLD
Walk into a room and command attention in a striking shade. Wear orange head-to-toe in a fitted dress, partner a bold top with white jeans, or strut your stuff with a head-turning accessory that pairs fuchsia with orange.
(clockwise from top left, click to shop) Clay Small Tote by Tory Burch, $435 | Feather Ruth Sleeveless Dress by French Connection, $168 | Rubina Top by Joie, $168 | Eyelet Dot Tank by J Crew, $78 | Fluorescent Lace Skirt by Topshop, from Nordstrom, $80 | Resi Spicy Orange Crewneck Sweater by Joie, $198 | Circle-in-Square Bracelet by Kate Spade Saturday, $35
A simple slip dress gets a punch of color in head-turning reddish-orange. Heels with orange trim and a gold cuff amp up the sex appeal, while a white boyfriend blazer keeps it from getting too sultry. Add dangly blue earrings for a contrast in color, and you're set for cocktails.
Slip dress, blazer by Topshop. Heels by Chinese Laundry. Clutch, jewelry from Piperlime.
BE DARING
Want to take a more subtle, but still strong approach? Dare to wear an orange-dominant print. Orange and white feels light and airy, orange and khaki gets a little more serious, while orange and navy is an in-your-face combination. And we double dare you to add an orange accessory.
(clockwise from top left, click to shop) Pique Floral Blazer by Zara, $99.90 | Riviera Wooden Bangle by Oliver Bonas, $22.58 | Sea Isle Sunglasses by Ann Taylor, $88 | Sun Down Bag by Oliver Bonas, $56.45 | Abigail Floral Print Dress by Jigsaw, $285 | Coral Motifs Sequined Top by Mango, $99.99 | Leather Court Shoe by Zara, $89.90 | Printed Robinson Dome Satchel by Tory Burch, $395
Take the ho-hum out of running errands with a fun, abstract print short. Play up the color with a bold bag, then add neutrals for balance. Throw in some shine with a sparkling gold necklace, just peeking out from under your collar.
Shorts, shirt by Kate Spade Saturday. Wedges by Michael Kors. Tote, necklace by Tory Burch.
BE DIFFERENT
If you're looking for just a hint of color, add orange jewelry or an orange-trimmed accessory to your look. Orange and gold are made for each other in statement-making jewelry ranging from delicate to dramatic. Orange trim adds punch to neutral-based accessories, and shows how versatile this color truly is.
(clockwise from top left, click to shop) Orange Inferno Bib Necklace by Pynk Luxe, $40 | Bourbon Street Jennie by Kate Spade, $478 | Watch by Marc by Marc Jacobs, from Piperlime, $150 | Pumpkin Stud Wrap Bracelet by Pynk Luxe, $28 | Lucky Charm by Chinese Laundry, from Piperlime, $69 | Orange and Tan Faceted Drop Earring by Sabine, from Piperlime, $20 | Chic Band Ring by Banana Republic, $39.50
Yes, you can wear a statement necklace with simple casual pieces - it's all about the attitude. This orange bib necklace significantly spices up a classic navy cami and relaxed pants. A printed bag is the ideal supporting player, while gold sandals keep it fresh and easy.
Necklace by Pynk Luxe. Camisole by J Crew. Pants by Joie. Tote, sandals by Tory Burch.
